Everton Reserves 2-0 Sunderland Reserves

Everton's second string recorded a 2-0 victory over Sunderland on Tuesday afternoon thanks to a late strike from Conor McAleny and an own goal from Sunderland's Liam Marrs.

Marcus Hahnemann started his first game since joining the club and the American custodian was joined in making his reserve team debut by 16-year-old left-back Ibou Touray. German U20 defender Shkodran Mustafi was joined in central defence by Jake Bidwell - a left-back by trade - whilst Tyias Browning played at right-back.

Adam Forshaw and Magaye Gueye operated the flanks with James Wallace and Ross Barkley in the centre of midfield. Argentine Denis Stracqualursi partnered the returning James McFadden up front.

The Everton bench consisted of; Adam Davies, John Lundstram, Femi Orenuga, Conor McAleny and Anton Forrester.

It was midfielder - and Everton captain - James Wallace who had the game's first opportunity, firing wide from 25 yards after 12 minutes. At the other end Tyias Browning was forced into making a goal-line clearance after a dangerous Sunderland corner.

It was Wallace who had the best chance of the opening period. French winger Magaye Gueye sent in a low ball but the resulting shot from the onrushing Wallace was just over the crossbar.

Marcus Hahnemann was called into action to save a half-volley from Sunderland's Jordan Cook, but an exciting first-half was to end on a sour note for Everton as forward Denis Stracqualursi picked up an injury. He was replaced by Anton Forrester, who has been scoring for fun in the U18s.

Scotsman James McFadden was withdrawn at the break and replaced by young Conor McAleny. Everton had the better of the opening second-half exchanges, with substitute McAleny and Gueye both going close.

The blustery conditions almost contrived to thwart Everton as Hahnemann misjudged a cross, but Tyias Browning was there again to clear. Ross Barkley had a shot deflected over before Everton made their third and final substitution as James Wallace made way for Femi Orenuga.

Everton's pressure told when they took the lead on 82 minutes. Adam Forshaw's cross, aimed for the lurking Anton Forrester, hit the unfortunate Sunderland defender Liam Marrs and flew into the net.

A minute later Everton doubled the lead. Conor McAleny capitalised on an error by David Meyler and raced through to put Everton 2 goals to the good.

Marcus Hahnemann made sure his first game ended with a clean sheet with a superb save from Sunderland's Roarie Deacon and the game ended 2-0.